Behavior can be described and measured in many ways. One approach in particular provides a potential for making precise and valid cross-cultural comparisons of behavior not equaled by other techniques. This approach is one in which low-inference observation instruments called "category systems" are used to measure behaviors observed.…

Focusing on the use of category systems in classroom observation, this report summarizes factors that may significantly affect the validity of cross-national and cross-cultural comparisons of classroom behaviors. Category systems measure well-defined behaviors by recording events observed at specific intervals or as they begin and end. Areas of…

This paper contains the major comparative findings of an investigation undertaken to survey and precisely describe a number of classroom behaviors occurring within the Kindgom of Nepal and to determine how those behaviors differed from comparable U.S. classroom behaviors. Comparisons were made using the Beeby taxonomy of educational stages and…

Written to assist future researchers in conducting cross-national studies of classroom behaviors, this study indicates a number of factors which may reduce the validity of comparisons made. It is based on an investigation which explored the feasibility of using the Activities Categories Instrument and the Flanders Interaction Analysis Categories…